Forum Topic

Pocahontas

I made a special stop today to inspect the vandalism to the Pocahontas memorial on London Road. The head and head-dress of the princess have been overpainted completely in black as have most of the flying feathers. It has been quite carefully done and I suspect is a deliberate statement against slavery or colonialism or racism or something. The usual, born of complete ignorance of a celebration which took place in 2017 with complete love and respect. Pocahontas was also celebrated at the same time in Gravesend and there was an international conference of academic historians in London too. I wonder what Claire Duncan, the local ceramicist who created this lovely piece, must be thinking? Does anyone else know anything about this? Are the police involved?

Mike Paterson ● 374d17 Comments

No, but I drove past slowly (as per the law nowadays!) on Saturday to note that it's still covered in black paint as first reported several months ago.

Mike Paterson ● 305d

Has anyone any idea what the current situation is with this?

Keith Iddon ● 305d

Thank you for your replies and BrentfordTW8.com for covering the story rather well. I hope the memorial can be restored properly and, unfortunately, moved to a safer site.

Mike Paterson ● 368d

Please, consult Claire Ireland before anyone does anything to it! She will know exactly what material it was made from and what treatment is appropriate so as to stop the paint being driven further into the stone. She has a studio at the London Museum of Water and Steam and is launching a wonderful special exhibition a Boston Manor House tonight!

Valerie Bott ● 369d

A blue Plaque perhaps, ah but there is no building to put it on.

David Cook ● 370d

Something a little grander would also have been appropriate imo.

Keith Iddon ● 371d

Thanks Guy.I can't imagine many people see the plaque as it is.

Keith Iddon ● 371d

I think you have a point Keith, but it is where it is and the first priority is to get the damage fixed - I haven't seen the problem as yet.I will put your suggestion to Syon and Brentford Dock councillors (which includes the town centre) and also to brentford Voice, who are doing the heritage boards.

Guy Lambert ● 371d

I have always thought it would be better to have had a memorial or remembrance plaque to her somewhere in the town centre where it could be seen every day by anyone in Brentford.A far as I know it is currently situated as near as possible to where she used to live,which was where the sorting office used to be.

Keith Iddon ● 372d

Reply from Syon – Thank you so much for this. We’re so saddened by this vandalism. We’ve gone out and inspected it but we’d need a specialist stonemason to look at whether it can be repaired. It’s been reported to the police, and we’re investigating further with Hounslow Council.

Vanessa Smith ● 372d

Thats really sad news and thanks to Mike for bringing it to the attention of the people in Brentford. The Plaque was indeed unveiled at the 400th anniversary of her death on March 23 2017. The event was attended by the Duke of Gloucester and members of First Nations Richmond Virginia Tribes along with the late Steve Curran who made a short nice speech about Pocahontas.

David Cook ● 373d

Surely a crime has been committed and therefore should involve the police, even if they just log it as they do with so much else. Per whose responsibility to repair, yes I get that the Duke needs to be involved. If I were him I would repair it, display it somewhere safe inside the estate where it would be lost to passers-by to enjoy forever.

Mike Paterson ● 373d

I am reliably informed by a colleague - that the wall in question is indeed the province of the Northumberland Estate as Syon is a private residence, and is also Grade 1 listed. It therefore follows that some expert advice on how to deal with this wanton vandalism is required.

Vanessa Smith ● 373d

I can't answer that but I have asked Hounslow Highways to investigate. As it is on the wall owned by the Duke of Northumberland (I imagine) I think it will really be his responsibility to repair it.I guess it will depend on what paint (or whatever) has been used by the vandal, plus the material of the plaque, but I think H Highways will have a good idea of what needs to be done.

Guy Lambert ● 374d

Can it be restored or is it permanently damaged?

Richard Williams ● 374d

Gah. Thanks. Knew that.

Mike Paterson ● 374d

The ceramicist's name is Claire Ireland I believe.

Anne England ● 374d